Father jailed over child's death

An Auckland man has been sentenced to six years and nine months jail for the manslaughter of his three-year-old daughter, who he'd thrown against a wall.

Kefu Ikamanu was found guilty of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm at a jury trial in August, but acquitted of murder.

Seini Ikamanu was admitted to hospital in March 2010 with severe injuries to her head, shoulder and pelvis.

She spent eight months being treated by doctors before dying in December.

Justice Venning told the High Court in Auckland Ikamanu became angry at his daughter when she was playing with her brother, grabbed her by the arm and swung her against a wall, before stomping on her pelvis.

He says the incident was a one-off and out of character, caused by Ikamanu's frustrations at his daughter and was one that he almost immediately regretted.

Justice Venning says Ikamanu did not know his own strength, the consequences of his actions and that they would cause the child's death.

Ikamanu's lawyer says the man faces deportation to Tonga once his prison sentence is completed.

His relatives say they trust him to be with his children again.

His wife and the mother of Seini, Sela Ikamanu, says she knows what her husband did was wrong, but he is a good man and of good character.

She says he will be welcomed back into the family when he is released from jail.